Security

From the first night we stayed at the Shamrock Arms in Waterval Boven we were aware that things were different here as far as security goes. Most houses (or B&B's) in nice neighborhoods have a wall or high metal fence and a self closing gate. Many doors have a wrought iron security door on the room in addition to the regular door if it opens to the outside.

There are also signs on every walled compound or gate saying "ADT (or other security company) Armed Response". In Pater Noster when we stopped an ADT patrol in his truck to ask directions we saw that he was wearing a bullet proof vest and was armed. Private security is a big business here…and possibly a trend to follow in the US.

Our last B&B in Hout Bay had three strands of electric fence around the perimeter of the walls as many other places do. I guess it looks better than barbed wire or razor wire. We were also surprised when we were checking out TV stations that one channel showed the CCTV security cameras. Luckily they were all outside and not in the guest rooms!

Many parking lots or street parking in shopping areas have "guards", some are dressed in official looking uniforms and some seem to be guys who put on a florescent vest and are just there. They greet you when you get out of your car saying they will look after your car. When you return they give you a big smile, sometimes help direct you out of your parking place, and expect a tip which I gladly give to them. It's all part of the game.

For obvious reasons dogs are not allowed in game parks. On the flip side we have seen dogs in restaurants and there seem to be no rules about walking dogs on the beach. And OSHA doesn't seem to exist here. In the V&A Wharf area two guys were painting while standing on a roof: no safety harnesses, no cones around the ladder, people walking under the work area. Safety and security are two very different things.